What Are EHS Roles and Responsibilities?

Referred to by a variety of names including occupational health, safety specialist, corporate safety director, environmental protection officer, and safety consultant and more – but what are the responsibilities of EHS in your workplace? While their titles may be similar, each EHS job description is different. While they experience different tasks across different industries, EHS roles are designed to eliminate workplace hazards and minimize incorrect working methods so as to keep workers safe. 

Roles and Responsibilities of an Environmental Health and Safety  Manager

1. Develop & Implement Plans. Businesses need a competent Environmental Health and Safety officer to act on behalf of workplace compliance. When employees are able to focus on their productivity, profits usually improve. The improvements in workplace productivity are directly linked to the development and implementation of strategic plans for workplace safety by an official EH&S manager. 
2. Capture Data. In order to prevent injuries, workplace toxicity, and accidents an EH&S manager must obtain information. The data may be collected in relation to illness, injury, and incidents in the workplace. Capturing data to analyze, and improve workplace compliance to all lawful regulations on safety, and health is the main role of an EH&S officer. 
3. Create Reports & Analysis. Using the data collected from the workplace site, as well as internal, and external customers, and EH&S manager uses their expertise to perform an official analysis. The information is then applied to state policies in accordance with the most current legislation to ensure compliance. After the analysis, the reports may be used to implement new strategies and plans for improvement. 
4. Hazardous Waste Management. You may not recognize all of the warning signs in your work environment without the help of an EH&S manager. These professionals are responsible for posting signs on health, and safety to warn employees of potential dangers. 
5. Coordinate Audits. Safety and environmental audits are used in order to keep track of the many laws, policies, and reports necessary. These regularly scheduled audits are also used to take actions for improvements in all areas and departments of the business.